My baby is crying all the time

Babies cry for many reasons – most commonly because they are hungry or need a nappy change. You can try these simple comfort methods to see if the crying stops. Sometimes babies cry because they are uncomfortable or are unwell. This may be due to colic, reflux, constipation or infection amongst other things (see below). Sometimes the crying can feel like it’s become too much, and if this is the case, click herefor more information about local services and here for advice on what you can do.

Below are some things to look out for if your baby is crying that may suggest they are unwell.

If your child has any of the following:

Becomes pale, mottled or abnormally cold to touch

Becomes stiff for a prolonged period or has rhythmic, jerky movements of arms or legs that does not stop when you touch it (a fit/seizure)

Conditions that can cause a baby to cry excessively:

Most babies experience some degree of reflux because the muscular valve at the end of the food pipe, which keeps food in the stomach, is still developing. Reflux may cause your baby to bring up milk after a feed, and can also give him/her hiccups. As long as your baby is growing normally and is not showing any marked signs of distress, there is no need to worry.

More severe reflux can cause your baby to cry and be sick, often after feeding. The long name for severe reflux is gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). This means that when your baby's tummy is full, food and stomach acid flow back up their food pipe causing discomfort and pain.

If you have tried the measures described above and seen no improvement, see your GP. They will review your child’s symptoms and ask you about the formula you have used, and may possibly prescribe an antacid designed for babies.

Your baby may be vomiting because they have an infection. This is usually associated with a temperature above 38°C / 100.4°F. Although the most likely cause is a viral infection, other causes include urinary tract infections or very occasionally a more serious illness such as meningitis or sepsis. Signs of a serious infection include:

becomes pale and floppy going blue around the lips

is fretful or excessively miserable when touched

becomes difficult to rouse

is finding it hard to breathe

develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the Glass Test)

Your child needs urgent help if any of these features are present - go to the nearest hospital emergency (A&E) department or phone 999.

Colic can cause
excessive, frequent crying in a baby who appears to be otherwise healthy. It's
a common problem that affects up to one in five babies. Although the cause is unknown, it is likely to be due to intestinal discomfort like bowel cramping.

Colic tends to begin
when a baby is a few weeks old. It normally stops by four months of age, or by
six months at the latest.

Looking after a
colicky baby can be very frustrating and distressing, but the problem will
eventually pass and is usually nothing to worry about.

Signs and symptoms of
colic include:

· Your baby often
starts crying suddenly. The cry is high-pitched and nothing you do seems to
help.

· The crying begins at
the same time each day, often in the afternoon or evening.

· Your baby might draw
their legs up when they cry.

· Your baby might
clench their hands.

· Your baby's face
might flush.

· The crying can last
for minutes or hours. A baby with colic cries for 3 hours a day or more.

· The crying often
winds down when your baby is exhausted or when they have passed wind or poo.

· If your baby is
drinking formula, give them extra water in between feeds, but don’t dilute the
formula. Make sure that you are using the recommended amount of milk powder
when making up a bottle. Too much powder can dehydrate your baby, causing
constipation. For babies under 6 months, use water from the mains tap in the kitchen - you will need to boil then cool the tap water because it is not sterile straight from the tap. Water for babies over 6 months of age doesn't need to be boiled.

If your baby is in significant pain despite doing this, you should take
them to see your GP who may decide to start them on treatment.

Pharmacists are experts in many aspects of healthcare and can offer advice on a wide range of long-term conditions and common illnesses such as coughs, colds and stomach upsets. You don’t need an appointment and many have private consultation areas, so they are a good first port of call. Your pharmacist will say if you need further medical attention.

Health visitors are nurses or midwives who are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illness through the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme. They work with you through your pregnancy up until your child is ready to start school.

School nurses care for children and young people, aged 5-19, and their families, to ensure their health needs are supported within their school and community. They work closely with education staff and other agencies to support parents, carers and the children and young people, with physical and/or emotional health needs.

Contacting the School Nurse

Primary and secondary schools have an allocated school nurse – telephone your child’s school to ask for the contact details of your named school nurse.

There is also a specialist nurse who works with families who choose to educate their children at home.

Sound Advice

Before your child starts school your health visitor will meet with the school nursing team to transfer their care to the school nursing service. The school nursing team consists of a school nursing lead, specialist public health practitioners and school health staff nurses.

They all have a role in preventing disease and promoting health and wellbeing, by:-

encouraging healthier lifestyles

offering immunisations

giving information, advice and support to children, young people and their families

supporting children with complex health needs

Each member of the team has links with many other professionals who also work with children including community paediatricians, child and adolescent mental health teams, health visitors and speech and language therapists. The school health nursing service also forms part of the multi-agency services for children, young people and families where there are child protection or safeguarding issues.

GPs assess, treat and manage a whole range of health problems. They also provide health education, give vaccinations and carry out simple surgical procedures. Your GP will arrange a referral to a hospital specialist should you need it.

Sound advice

You have a choice of service:

Doctors/GPs can treat many illnesses that do not warrant a visit to A&E.

Help your child to understand – watch this video with them about visiting the GP or going to a walk in centre

If you’re not sure which NHS service you need, call 111. An adviser will ask you questions to assess your symptoms and then give you the advice you need, or direct you straightaway to the best service for you in your area.

Sound advice

Use NHS 111 if you are unsure what to do next, have any questions about a condition or treatment or require information about local health services.